South Carolina elects Democrat Andrews as Graham’s seat flips for first time in 28 years

South Carolina has broken a nearly three-decade streak of Republican statewide dominance, electing Democrat Annie Andrews to the US Senate. According to the BBC ^[1], the victory marks the first time a Democrat has won a statewide race in the Palmetto State since 1998. Andrews, a former paediatrician, was projected to win after a stunning upset in Tuesday’s midterm elections, as reported by the BBC’s US partner CBS.

Her opponent, Darline Graham, conceded defeat during the primary, admitting she was "not that informed on national security." Graham had been appointed to the seat in July following the sudden death of her brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, with President Donald Trump’s blessing. Despite Trump winning the state by 18 points in the 2024 presidential election, the political newcomer struggled to connect with voters.

During the primary campaign, Darline Graham acknowledged her lack of political experience. This was highlighted by a stumble during a foreign-policy debate, where she stated regarding the US stance towards Taiwan: "National security is not my thing, not my area of expertise, but I do support the military." The BBC noted that her brother, Lindsey Graham, had been a leading figure in Washington regarding foreign affairs, frequently advocating for American military action abroad.

The loss of the seat previously held by the Graham family underscores the volatility of the current political landscape. While Darline Graham sought to leverage her brother’s legacy, her admission of limited expertise in key policy areas proved fatal to her campaign. Andrews’ victory signals a potential shift in the political map, with Democrats eyeing further gains in other states.

The result comes as part of a broader wave of Democratic successes in the midterms. Analysts suggest that Andrews’ background as a medical professional resonated with voters concerned about local issues, contrasting sharply with Graham’s national security-focused campaign. The outcome serves as a bellwether for future elections, demonstrating that even in deeply red states, candidate experience and local connection can outweigh national party alignment.

With this win, Andrews joins the Senate caucus, ending the Republicans' monopoly on statewide office in South Carolina. The transition marks a significant moment for the Democratic party, which had long viewed the state as an untouchable stronghold. As the new senator prepares to take office, attention will turn to how she navigates Washington’s complex foreign policy landscape, a field she entered without the decades of experience her predecessor possessed.